Northparkes’ farming operations
The CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) farming operations have been successfully operated for over 20 years. Northparkes have built a reputation in both the mining and agricultural industries as leaders in innovation and are considered a progressive farmer.
Northparkes Managing Director Hubert Lehman said, “Our farming operations are a significant contributor to Northparkes’ positive public perception and social licence to operate. In 2019, we opted to place our farming operations into long fallow for the 2019 winter cropping season. This decision was based on the onset of the drought conditions and the poor rainfall outlook for the year ahead. Following this decision, we conducted an analysis of our current farming arrangements model to identify other opportunities,” said Hubert.
As a result, Northparkes made the decision to pursue a share farming model that would allow them to focus their resources on core business, including the execution of key major capital projects, while still maintaining a farming presence in the community and continuing sustainable farming practices.
2019 also saw the end of the Goodsell Group’s (Goodsell’s) long term association with Northparkes, as their contract concluded in December 2019. Goodsell’s have provided an exceptional service to the Northparkes farming operations since its inception in 1997. This 23-year partnership saw the introduction of many new farming techniques to the district. “I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge Scott, Janelle and their team and wish them well with their future endeavours,” said Hubert.
Earlier this year, an Expression of Interest was distributed requesting a proposal. The interested parties were required to submit their proposed farming plan and commercial framework as part of their Expression of Interest.
“Our Commercial team conducted a competitive tendering process that included both technical and commercial analysis to identify a suitably skilled and equipped farmer to operate our farming operations. I am pleased to announce that the Wright Family Partnership has officially signed a contract to enter into a share farm arrangement with us,” Hubert said.
The contract includes the continuation of conservation farming techniques that Northparkes have been modelling their farming enterprise on. The contract will run for two years with the option of a third year. “We are really looking forward to working with the Wright Family Partnership to ensure we are able to continue being a proud miner and farmer,” added Hubert.
About CMOC-Northparkes Mines
Northparkes is a copper and gold mine located 27 kilometres north-west of Parkes, in the Central West of New South Wales, Australia. Since 1993 Northparkes has been celebrated for our high-quality copper deposits, low cost operations and loyal, committed people. Northparkes is a joint venture between China Molybdenum Co., Ltd (CMOC) (80%) and the Sumitomo Groups (20%).
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Ali Standen
Northparkes Mines
02 6861 3621
ali.standen@au.cmoc.com
